What is a Learnership?

A Learnership programme combines theory and practical skills that you will need in a work environment. The learner also learn life skills such as communication and teamwork and receives a qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework. A contract is drawn up by the employer, the learner and an accredited skills development training provider for the duration of the programme to protect all the parties involved.

Learnership vs qualification?

It is not necessary to complete a learnership to get a qualification, where as a learnership could lead to a qualification.

Benefits of learnerships to employers?

• Learnerships involve job training, the employee can still work.
• Government tax incentives. SETAs offer cash grants for learnerships.
• Companies earn BEE points.
• Because learnerships are practical, it is only registered if relating to a skills need in the economic sector.
• Open doors to further learning and is also nationally recognised.
• Create skilled employees who will add value to the business.

Benefits of learnerships for learners?

• Earn an income while enhancing your skills and ultimately enhance their career prospects.
• Opportunity for further learning and obtaining a recognised qualification that can be portable from one company to another.
• Personal development and self esteem improves.

Implementing learnerships – The Drawbacks?

When a learnership is properly planned and implemented, the benefits to both the employer and the employee can far outweigh the drawbacks. Here  it is vital for the employer to use a Training Provider that have skilled and experienced lectruers to assist learners in applying the theory into the workplace. The Training Provider will also take care of the paperwork while the employer concentrates on their business.

(SARS) Tax Incentives (Legislated in section 12H of the Income Tax Act,58 of 1962, amended in January 2010).  These are deductions on your taxable income that can be claimed per employed candidate in a learnership. The allowance is based on a 12 month period, and full periods of a month. The learnership can be carried over to another employer (if linked to the trade) while the employee is in training. The new employer can claim for the rest of the year and also the full completion allowance.

(SETAs) Learnership Grants

The grants range from R4 000 – R40 000 per learner. The grants are offered on a first come, first serve basis and are subject to availability. The application should also clearly state that the learnership would address a needed skill in the sector..